Recovering and Staying Clean

• 1). Talk with your doctors. Most detox programs are monitored in a facility by a medical staff specializing in addictions to ensure your health isn't in jeopardy, and to minimize relapse. Talk with your doctors about what to expect following detox and what the best treatment will be for your recovery.
  
  
• 2). Ensure you have good support. This means telling family and friends what you need to stay sober. Arrange counseling or in-patient treatment and find support groups to attend. Avoid people and places or "triggers" that tempt you to use substances.
  
  
• 3). Follow through with treatment. Attend in-patient rehabilitation programs or if you are an outpatient, follow through with outpatient therapy to recover safely and avoid relapse. Participate in therapy or counseling sessions and return to the detox facility when required, in order to maintain recovery.
  
  
• 4). Find a support group in your area. Whether it be alcoholism or drug addiction, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous have meetings all over the country. Find one to attend regularly to meet people who can help ease your recovery and bolster your commitment to sobriety.
  
  
• 5). Maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid poor health habits like overeating, smoking and oversleeping. Get adequate exercise and eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and plenty of water.
  
  
• 6). Accept the fact that recovery from addiction is a long process that never fully ends. Once you are an addict, you will always be an addict, and will always have that tiny spot in your mind that wants to return to using. The key is to know you are better off without it and be proactive about your recovery.